Pre-Arrival Information

Weather in Hawaiʻi

As you would expect in paradise, Hawaiʻi has a tropical and warm climate all year. Below, you can see the weather for today and a forecast for the coming days. Hawaii is never too cold nor too hot.

What clothes to pack?

Because of our climate and lifestyle, people in Hawaiʻi usually dress more casually than in other places. Hawaiʻi’s climate is sunny, tropical and mild (70° to 85° Fahrenheit, 20° to 30° Celsius) with a cooler/rainy season from November to April. Casual clothing is appropriate for most situations. Bring a sweater or light jacket, an umbrella and comfortable walking shoes. Light cotton and other cool washable clothing is recommended. National dress may be worn for special occasions.

Packing Tips:

Do NOT pack or take prohibited items to the airport. Please visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/sop/index.shtm to see a list of prohibited items.
If you bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint you will have to get rid of it before going through. Bringing a prohibited item to a security checkpoint, even accidentally, is illegal.

Liquids of 3 ounces or less (by volume) need to be packed in a quart-sized, clear, zip-top plastic bag. For more information, please visit: http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-brochures.shtm.

Checked baggage will go through a security screening process which may differ, depending on equipment, at each airport.

Put undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.

Place identification tags in and on all of your baggage. Don’t forget to label your laptop computer. Computers are one of the most forgotten items at screening checkpoints.

Arriving in the U.S.

Visa exempt/waiver nationals presenting a SEVIS Form I-20AB, I-20MN or DS-2019 issued on or after September 1, 2004, who are entering the United States for the first time should have a Form I-797, Receipt Notice or Internet Receipt verifying SEVIS Fee payment.

Evidence of financial resources, Acceptance letter from HELP, which includes the name and contact information for the Director of HELP, who is the Designated School Official (DSO).

Flight attendants on board your airplane will distribute CF-6059–Customs Declaration Form before you land at the Honolulu airport or your initial point-of-entry in the U.S. Complete this form while you are on the aircraft. If you do not understand the form, ask the flight attendant for assistance.

Upon arrival at the port-of- entry, proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers for inspection. As you approach the inspection station, make sure that you have: passport, SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019; and, CF-6059 Customs Declaration Form available for presentation to the CBP Officer.

Like all entering visitors, you will be asked to state the reason you wish to enter the United States. If you have a student visa and I-20, tell the officer that you will be a full time student. If you are coming in on a visa waiver, you should say that you are going to enjoy Hawaiʻi and take some part-time language classes.

Once your inspection is complete, the inspecting officer will return your SEVIS Form I-20. Do not lose this form — it is very important! You will need the form to prove you are in status as a student, and to apply for documents such as a Hawaii’s drivers license or state ID.

Prepare for Life in Hawaii

Hawaii is a wonderful place to live and study! Prepare for exploring everything Hawaii has to offer SAFELY by reading the following Travel Safety brochure by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.